Can I Use My Medical Insurance to Visit the Eye Doctor?

What are medical insurance and vision insurance plans?

There is much confusion regarding what type of insurance you can use when you go to the eye doctor. Most people do not understand the difference between medical insurance and vision insurance plans. Most ophthalmologists practices accept both medical insurance and vision insurance plans. The Eye Surgery Institute is a medical practice and the majority of our examinations are billed to your medical insurance. Dr. Stanley Grandon and I are board certified ophthalmologists and we care mostly for medical eye conditions.

An examination is considered a medical eye exam if Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I are evaluating and treating a problem, disease or particular complaint. For example, if you are being treated or evaluated for common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts or age related macular degeneration (ARMD) it is considered as a medical appointment. Also, if you are requesting the appointment for a complaint such as pain, irritation, itching, headaches or redness it is also considered a medical appointment.

What Do I Use My Vision Plan For?

A vision exam is an examination for a prescription for eyeglasses or for contact lenses. At the Eye Surgery Institute, we will also check the general health of your eye. We will inform you if any problems or concerns are noted. If particular concerns are raised Dr. Stanley Grandon, Dr. Cindy Wang or I may request for you to return to the office for a medical appointment.

You can also often use your vision plan to help in purchasing glasses or contact lenses. It is important that you learn the benefits of your vision plan and the coverage options. We offer a full service optical department that also accepts most insurance plans.

How Do I Know If My Insurance is Accepted?

Our experienced staff can assist you with your insurance choices when you call for your appointment. It can be very confusing to determine the difference between medical insurance and vision insurance plans. When you arrive to our office, we will also verify your insurance plan. You are responsible for knowing any co-pays or deductibles with your plan.